Apparatus for the purification of water and other liquids.



M. D. AVERY. APPARATUS POR THE PURIFICATION OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS. APPLICATION FILED JULY 1, 1912.

1,066,570, Patented July 8,v 1913.

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MERIEAQQITH D. AVERY, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

APPARATUS FOR THE PURIFICATION OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 1, 1912. Serial No. 707,044.

To all whom it may concern Be itknown that I, MEREDITH D. AVERY, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Kansas City, in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri, have invent- 'ed certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for the Purification of Ta-ter and other Liquids; and I do hereby declare that the following a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part. of this specification.

rIhe invention relates to certain novel improvements in apparatus for the purification and defecation of liquids, such as potable or contaminated waters, either hard or soft, sewage in which purification is an important factor and also for the purification and clarification of saccharine juices, such ,as that of the sugar cane, sugar beet or other vegetables of a saccharine nature, and also to the waters employed in the arts wherein the solutions are charged with chemical substances and of various colo-rs.

The object of the vinvention is to produce a hydrolyzed condition of the liquid, where in the impurities in the solution are caused to selectively attack the electrodes, and in forming coagula by the attack of the hydroxids formed, upon the compounds in the liquid. Second, to provide greater surface contact of the ions in the liquids with the electrodes. i

The invention consists in the novel apparatus, as constructed and combined and as hereinafter more fully described and specifically pointed out in the annexed claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawing.

In the drawing, Figure 1, is a vertical,

sectional'A view of the complete apparatus embodying the invention. Fig. 2, is a transverse sectional view taken through the main receiving tank on the line fc al, 0n Fig. 1, showing in plan the rotatable electrodes a'd pole contacts for the alternate electrodes. Fig. 3, is a detail view in perspective of a series of the electrodes showing a sectional portion of the insulated supporting post. Fig. 4, is a vertical sectional view taken through the central portion of one of the electrodes, showing one of the contact posts. Fig. 5, is a detail sectional view of a. portion of the insulated, rotatable post for the electrodes, and of the metallic shoe in lwhich the post is stepped, and Fig. G, is a longitudinal sectional view of the metallic sleeve on the upper end portion of the insulated post showing a portion of the post in section.

The main fluid receiving tank 10, in which the fluids are first treated is composed preferably of concrete, which notI only being a non -condueting material is sanitary and readily made non-absorbent. The bottom 12, is integral with the sides 11, of the tank and the top 14, hermetically connected with the sides by means of the bolts 15, the heads of which are embedded in the concrete sides 11, the threaded portions of which pass through the top, and the nuts 16, in said bolts secureA the top firmly upon the gasket 17, upon the said upper portions of the sides of the tank. The tank 10, as shown, is circular in cross section and upon the inner surface of the bottom 12, at a point equidistant from the inner surface of the side 11, is a metal block 1S, of electrical conductivity, secured to the bottom 12, by means of screws 19, inserted in the plugs 20, in the,

concrete. In the block 1S, is a cone shaped depression 21. With this block 1S, is integrally connected a binding postl 22, the outer end of which extends through the side 11, of the tank and screw threaded, and upon said end is a washer 23, and a binding screw 24. The main supply of the liquid to the tank is through a supply pipe 25, extending through the side of the tank upon a line horizontal with the upper surface of the bottom 12. In this pipe 25, is a fluid controlling and cut-olf valve, 2G.

In the cone shaped depression in the block 1S, is mounted the lower cone shaped end 28,-

of a cylindrical cored piece or shoe 27, composed of metal and its upper end outwardly flared to serve as a support for the electrode. In this shoe is stepped the lower end of al circular post 29, composed ofnon conducting material preferably of` wood. Upon the inner surface of the top 14, is a centrally positioned block 30, composed of metal of electrical conductivity, in which is a cone shaped depression 31. This block 30, is secured to the top by a screw 32, the openg ing therefor being plugged in the same manner as screws 19, in the bl'ock 18. A bolt 33, secures a portion of the block 30, to the top of and passes through the same and forms Patented July 8,1913.

a binding post upon which is a washer 34, upon the outer surface of the cover. The bolt 33, is screw threaded and upon said bolt is a binding nut 35.

Upon the upper end of the post 29, is a metallic cylinder or sleeve 36, the upper end of which is beveled inwardly and extends to the cone shaped upper end of the said post 29, which end and the beveled upper end of the sleeve 36, is seated within the depression or seat 3l, in the block 30, the sleeve 36, forming electrical contact with the said. block.

In the surfaces of the post 29,.in the line of the diameter of said post are 'vertical grooves 37, and 38, respectively, these grooves extending upwardly from the line of the pper surface of the shoe 27. The lower end of the sleeve 36, extends downwardly a short distance and upon the outer surface and lower end is an external screw thread 39, and a clamping screw 40, which `acts as further described.

The electrodes 41, for the urposes of the invention, are composed of) metal plates, circular in form and slightly smaller in circumference than Ithat of the inner circumference of thetank 10. In the center of each plate is a circular opening 42, of the proper dimensions to receive the post 29. The plates composing the electrodes are each cut upon radial lines 43, extending to within short distances of the circumference of the plate and the opening 42. The plate is again cut, transversely, to the radial line 43, and extending from the line of segregation 43, adjacent the circumference of the plate a considerable distance, and from the point 'adjacent the' opening 42, a less distance.

The part of the plate thus cut is bent up-v wardly at an angle to the plate, similar to a fan or propeller blade as at 44, leaving beneath said portion 44, an opening 45, for the passage of the fluid and its action thereon, further referred to, a plurality of these blades and openings being formed in the plate composing the electrode at suitable distances apart 1n the circumferential direction of the plate. V

Projections or, lips 46, extend inwardlyr from the line of the sides of the openings 42, in each plate, and which extend within the grooves 37 and 38,respectively in the order in which the electrodes are assembled upon the post 29. As shown the lips are made to extend within the grooves, and the contact posts 47, removable and screw threaded and fitted within screw threaded openings 48, in the. said lips or projections. The upper ends of these posts extend `upwardly the requisite height to come into contact with the lower surfaces of these lips 49, in the alternate order of ascending series of the negative V.and positive electrodes. These electrodes comprise twenty plates in the -and carries the positive current.

order of groups, viz., 1, 2, 3, 4, there being four metal plates in the lowest group in the series, viz., group l, four metal plates in the next group above group l, viz., group 2, and six metal plates in the respective groups 3 and 4, above group 2, and are assembled on the post 29, in the following order and in their electro positive order of activity such as beginning at. the bottom plate of the first group l, comprises four metal plates, which are composed of copper. In the second group, comprising four metal plates, said plates are composed of iron. In the third group comprising six metal plates, said plates are composed of aluminum. In the fourth group, comprising six plates, said plates are composed of magnesium. These associated plates form in alternate order the series of anodes and cathodes which are placed for rotation withinwthe closed tank 10, the lowest plate in the series being an anode, supported by the shoe 27, the post upon said anode extending upwardly within the groove 37. Upon the post 29, is then placed an insulating ring 48. Upon this ring is placed a cathode the contact post being extended within the groove 38. An insulating ring 48, is then placed on the post upon the upper surface of the cathode and then an anode is placed upon the ring which comes into contact with the post on the anode below, and next a cathode is set in place and in contact with the post in the groove 37, and thus continued, electrically connecting anodes and cathodes, alternately and' selectively with each other, the complement of electrodes being a number of anodes and cathodes of different metals, the last in v the ascending series being a cathode, and

:plates closely together on the post 26, and

cause the contact posts to be held in close electrical connection with the electrodes.

50, indicates the source of electrical energy, such as a dynamo from which extends a conducting wire 51, which is connected with the binding post 33, and conducts an energizing negative current to the electrodes. Vith the binding post 22, is connected the inner end of a conducting wire 52, the other end ofwhich wire extends to the dynamo Adjacent the main tank 10, is a hermetical charging tank 55, for the combined, gases further alluded to, and is so elevated in positio-n as to receive an overiow from` the top of tank 10, into the bottom of tank 5.5, with a moderate degree of pressure, a liquid conducting pipe 54, being connected at one end with the uppcrportion of tank 10, and its lower end with the lower portion of the `tank Adjacent the tank 55, is a settling tank 57, this tank is open at the top, and with the upper portion of the tank 55, 1s

connected With one end of a pipe 5G, which consists of sinuous portions which bend in- Wardly and outwardly, its lower end being connected with the lower portion of the settling tank 57. The function of the pipe 56 is to atlord a longer path of movement of the liquid charged with the gases.

With the upper portion of the tank 57, is connected a discharge cock 58, of a large capacity, and with the side of the tank at a point intermediate the top and bottom portions, is connected a discharge cock 59, smaller in capacity to the oook 58, and at the bottom of the tank is a discharge cock 60, of less capacity for discharge than the cock 59. ln the lower portion of the tank is a discharge pipe (il, and a eut-oil valve (32. Upon the side ot the tank is a sight tube G3, connected with the upper and lower and intermediate cocks, by means ot which cocks separation may be made of the liquid in the order of its purification.

ln supplying the tank l0, with the liquid to he treated, this may be accomplished by the Jforce of gravity or pump pressure, it being, however, a prerequisite in all treatments of the various liquids that an analytical test be made to determine its purity and hardness, Whether temporary or permanent, to predetermine What association of anodes and cathodes are requisite to form the electrodes. Potable Water is either temporarily hard, due to the presence of acid carbonatos or so called iii-carbonatos, usually of calcium or magnesium or both. rlhe permanent hardness in Water is due to the presence of sulfatos, usually of the same met-als as found in temporary hard Water. Such compounds or any others found in potable Water or sewage exist largely, not in a molecular condition but through the disassociating power of the water itsclt' in the form of anions and cations, which are attracted to the respective anodes and cathodes selec-v tively. it being ivell known that chemical salts in solution are disassociated or ionized and vvhcn energized electrodes are inserted into any such solution one set of ions. the anions, is attracted to the anodes. While the other, the cations, is attracted to the cathode. lWhat takes place at the electrodes dependsl upon the character of the ions and the nature of the electrodes themselves. lt the anode is such that the anions will attack it, disintegration follows, more or less rapidly, forming a salt of the metal or metals contained in the anode, and this goes into the solution. lt the anode is of suoli character as not to be attacked hy the anions then the u'ater itself is decomposed by the anions forming nascent oxygen and chlorin or some other `las, dependingupon the character ot the liquidand oie the ions.

The liquid after a determination ot its epuilities for treatment enters the tank l0,

through the pipe 25, upon the openingv oli the Valve 26, the liquid passing upwardly and through the openings l5 and act upon the blades 44, on the electrodes imparting a ,ro tation automatically thereto and in unison, the liquid moving circuitously and atording a large area tor the surface Contact, o the liquid.

An electric current from the dynamo ,5.0, charges the ano-des and cathodes positively and negatively, the metallic ions,. ,eations being attracted to the cathodes and anions, non-metallic, are drawn to the anode.

body ot the liquid moves along, the copper anodes will yield in the presence of `sulfates and bi-carhonates in the Water, some sulfate and chlorid of copper, which Would be largely hydrolyzed, but as explained, upon mixing with the alkaline products formed at the cathode, will produce hydroxidsof copper, which precipitate as acoagulu'm. The copper carbonates will be 'somewhat iron forms similar compounds, the carbonate being entirely hydrolyzed, increasing the coagulum, and improving its character, while the action of the iron anode tendsto remove any copper from .the solution. Since aluminum forms a weaker base than iron, its salts are more strongly hydrolyzed. The aluminum carbonate is completely by: drolyzed, forming hydroxid, and setting free carbon-dioxid, while the chlorid and sulfate which are formed partially hydrolyze, but serve mainly to re-act with the alkaline compounds formed aty the cathode, and produce a greater amount of hydroxid|- as a very light, locculentl coagulum, and the ac tion of the aluminum anode will remove. all traces ot' the preceding metal :From the solution. The magnesium, acting as an anode, will he more rapidly disintegrated than any ot" the other metals mentioned, as il: is more soluble in acid radicals. The carbonate produced will be partially hydrolysed, and changed into lrrflroxid, and the sulfate and ucts of the cathode will be precipitated as a quite insoluble hydroxid, increasing vto a considerable extent the coagulum. Furthermore, magnesium having the strongest. solution pressure in the series, removes all traces ot the preceding metals and poisonous or colored salts, such as those of copper an l iron, hy precipitating them in the metallic form.

ln practice, it is found that, when copper,

the chemical compounds formed by the dis` integration, may he letty in4 the solution.

anodcs, as the last in the series, all these are ln the order in which chemical action. takes place upon the different metals, as the hydrolyzed by the Water, but mainly precipitated along with the hydro-Kid. The

or other similar metals are used, traces ot lly the use ot' aluminum or magnesium as chlorid, by mixing with the alkaline prodremoved, inasmuch as the magnesium or aluminum equivalents, which pass into the solution when the copper, iron or zinc is deposited, are entirely precipitated as hydroxid, the plurality of the aluminum and magnesium plates being found exceedingly etiicient.

The electrolytic action depends upon what takes place at the cathodes. The cat-ions upon losing their electric charge, as they do upon coming into Contact with the cathodes, as a general proposition, decompose the Water forming hydroxids, at the same time setting free the hydrogen. The hydroxids thus formed are brought into contact with the metallic salts produced at the anode, forming a coagulum .which collects and removes the suspended impurities. At the cathodes the metals usually present in the water are not deposited thereon, but as soon as they have lost their charge, decompose the Water and form an alkali. The alkali during the flow ot the water is brought into contact with the injurious salt and products formed at the anode, and not heing removed, they unite with each other to form a coagulum. The action of the anodes in my electrode is such that a compound of any one metal, in the series, will be deposited from the-solution, by any one succeeding it. In illustration, aluminum will cause any zinc in solution to be deposited, there being always a corresponding amount of the metal higher up in the series, which goes into solution in place of the metal deposited. Any ot the metals', as anodes, will be disintegrated in presence of chlorids, forming ehlorids of the metals, aluminum, iron, etc. These compounds will be partially hydrolyzed, forming h vdroxids and partially decomposed by thc alkali formed at the cathode. lVith the j'ncscnce of sulfatos in the water the ultimate result will be the same as in the rase olI acid or normal carbonatos, as in temporary hardness or in alkaline water. lVith the aluminum or certain others in the series ot metals, in water containing carbonatos, carbonatos ot the metals would be formed. These will be largely hydroly/ied by the v\ater, setting t'ree carbon dioxid, and precipitating the metals as hydroxide to form the coaguluin. rThe free hydrogen which is given off at the cathodes becomes entangled in this coagulum and decreases its density and overcomes its specific gravity, whereby it reaches the surface of the liquid.

(hlorids in the water, such as rivcr water and sewage, came considerable chlorin to hc dsfngagcd, which serves to stcrilizc or disinfect thc walcr and dos-troy organic lit'c. or bacteria. Ilt thc anode is ol: such nutal as would he attached by thc chlorin, at least a part. of the fhlorin would be consnnnal in dif-'solving tho anode and tllc salt l'ox'incd would be preliminary to the formation olf l,accetto the coagulum. l'n casethe anode is ofsuch character that it would not be attacked by the anions, a possibility in some, o table waters, nascent oxygen is form The anions then decompose the yvateg sett-ing free oxygen, which in the nascent state powerful agent in the oxidationcr 'steril ization of organic impuritiesand other deleterious matter in the Water. 'The water which has passed through the, actiya-eletrodes and is charged With the ,confined gases, and passes from the tank 1:0th1jougl1 the pipe 54, into the bot-tom of tanki, and the accumulated gases so act upon the ooaou'- lum as to ydecrease its'densit-y, thethydroge'n seeking ainity with oxygen or any ,mineral or earthy salts, which are `not thi-Own down by the hydroxids in the presenceof the electrodes, in' i the forming of the v,coagulngn. The water is now passed from thecllosd tank 55, through thepipe 56, connectedwith the top of tank 55, into thefghottombf the open settling tank 57, in whihthe insoluble mat-ter at first rises to the-top of the ltank 57, and here the condition of the water b1' liquid, may be observed through sighttubes G3, connected with the cocks 58, 59,a.nd 60,

which cocks are connected with tireupper and lower and intermediateportions of the tank, and are of large capacity ,at the top and decreasing in size downwardly,- the lower cock 60 being-.the smalle; size. The tlecculent matter` remaining at the top,

is removed through the cock58, and the 100 liquid removed from the tank through. cocks 5t), and (50, in a purified condition, while the matter settled in the bottom of thevtank is` removed through the discharge pipe 61.

After the current ot water ceases to flow 105 into the tank 57, should any impurities or saltsl of a deleterious character be left in the solution, hydrolytic and chemical action 'will follow and all traces of such compounds removed duc to the action of the compounds 110 which. have been formed invtank 1 0. The employment of anodes of diiierent character, as specified, may produce co-agula of ditlerent color, as in t-he formationof carbonates or hydroxids of copper, t-lioformer 115 of which is hydrolyzed by the Water and which may be wholly precipitated upon changing the polarity of the anodes andv cathodes.

In my invention and in the series of 120 galvanic action,

metals named there is no the anodes and cathodes being of exactly the same metals in each series has this advan tage that ill lclt in a closed circuit wit-hin.

any source o1" current; galvanic action does 126 not go on as would hc the case iti' the metals constituted a galvanic couple. Disintegration in thisI instance takes place at thc anotlcs :s fast as deposition. at the cathode, the result being serves the same purpose aslozone, being a f' that the alkalineproducts 1 80 incastro y of the cathode will entirely precipitate the decomposition products of the anode..A

In the general treatment of liquids the inventionis especially generic in the treatment of saccharinevliquid, oi' as it is generally termed juice or liquor, to designate-its source, such as for instance, cane juice from the sugar cane, beet juice, from the sugar beet, in which we have carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. This juice or liquid admit-ted to the tank l0, in the same manner as the Water, and is treated in like manner, the electromotive series of metals being such as is necessary for the production of a coagula in Water of temporary hardness. rl`he juice of the caneifis composed of glucose and sucrose and contains some acid, therefore the presence of acid carbonates'or` so called Ybicarbonates and the selection of such metals as magnesium and aluminum in the series described is preferred, the alkaline solution formed at the cathode, neutralizing the acids and the precipitates uwhich are hydroxids form a coaguluml of the insoluble matter. The glucose rises to the top in the active formation of hydrogen at the cat-hode's. The juice or liquor now passes into thecelosed tank 55, and is subjected to the action of the accumulated confined gases which clarify the juice for a longer duration of time. From the tank 55the liquor or juice is passed through pipe 56 which affords the reagents still further action upon the liquid while within the coils of the pipe, then into the settling tank 57, in which the escaping gases carry tothe top of the coagulum and at the proper time the now clarilied juice is drawn olf through the -cocks from the tank in the stages of clarification.

Vlien the tank 57, is filled with the liquid,

` theI valve 64, is closed and` the valve 65, in

the pipe 56, opened thus making a continuous discharge for other uses, such as supplying other'settling tanks. The inert matter in the settling tank 57, is removed through the pipe 61.

In the tanks 10, and 55, and 57, the liquid may be retained under pressure for any desii'ed period or a continuous flow permitted, as desired. The disintegrating action of the anodes may be active or passive, according to the voltage of the electric current, it being within the province. of the appended claims A to make such changes in form and structure as may be found useful and desirable.

' Having fully described my inventionpwhat I now claim as new and desire to secure by l,conducting material within the Letters Patent is,- c

1. In an apparatus for purifying liquids by hydrolytic action, the combination with a. tank of--a rotary post coni of nog all plates forming the eleetipdesfnounted upon said post, and rotatable therewith, said plates having radial openings and blades for the propulsion thereof. l

2. ln an apparatus foripurifyiiig liquids by hydrolytic action, the combination with a tank of a revoluble vertically grooved post composed of non conducting material Within the tank, and electrodes mounted upon said pest and contacts or ,posts within said grooves, `and electrically connecting the plates'negativ'ely and positively.

3. In an apparatus for purifying liquids by hydrolytic action, the combination with a tank for the liquid, of avrotary vertically grooved post composed of non conducting material, plates comprising the'anodes and cathodes, having central openings and Amounted. o n said post, and lips extending lfrom the sides ofy said openings Within the grooves in the pcst, and Contact posts supported by said lips.

Ll. In an apparatus for purifying liquids by hydrolytic action, the combination with a tank for the liquid, of a rotatable post composed of non conducting material havingv vertical grooves, plates having central openings, and comprising the anodes and catliodes, in alternate positions upon said post, insulators between said plates, lips extending from the sides of the openings in the respective anodes and cathodes within the grooves in said post, and electric contact posts for dissimilar electrodes upon said lips.

of said tank, `and al series ofplates forming the anodes and cathodes, having central openings, mounted on said'post and supported bythe metallic shoe, insulators. be?

tween the plates, and electric contact posts for the separate plates, means on the sleeve for clamping the plates together in the series, and means for energizing the anodes andcathodes through the respective blocks.

6. In an apparatus for purifying liquids by hydrolytic action, the combination with a tank containing the liquid, of a series of revoluble apertured electrodes moved by a current of water andcomposed of electro positive metal plates; l Y MEREDITH D. AVERY.

Witnesses:` l

S. L. C. Ha' N, EDWARD E. Nanna.

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